Scouts promise to do their best in the face of big rent rises

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Scout clubs could be forced to close after large rises in ground rents set by
councils, scout chiefs have warned. In many cases rents have risen from less
than a £100 a year to more than £10,000 as local authorities try to raise
income.

This morning Bear Grylls, the Chief Scout, will launch a campaign to restrain
charges, claiming that the “extortionate” rents could threaten the movement
and its voluntary work.

A survey by the Scout Association suggests that at least 2,000 groups are
vulnerable to big rent increases, with many warning that they will have to
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